A’s try to beat the heat (and the Yankees)

It’s a scorcher at Yankee Stadium this evening. It’s just past 6:30 p.m., and weather.com lists the temperature at 101 degrees, with a heat index of 109 (factoring in the humidity). Several A’s players are saying this is some of the worst weather they’ve experienced as far as temperature and humidity combined. No surprise the A’s cut batting practice a bit short. The Yankees didn’t hit outdoors at all …

–A’s manager Bob Melvin said a pitcher’s energy and stuff can fade quickly in this weather, so keep an eye on how Trevor Cahill fares as the innings tick away. Cahill obviously wants to turn his luck around against the Yanks. Two hitters in particular that he must bear down on: Robinson Cano (4 for 9, 1 HR off him lifetime) and Mark Teixeira (4 for 8, 2 HRs). No stats jump off the page as far as A’s hitters vs. Phil Hughes, the Yankees starter. The body of work is pretty small for everybody in the lineup.

–There was no Eric Chavez reunion with his old teammates today: The former Athletic is down in Tampa for a rehab assignment. He’s close to returning from a bone bruise in his left foot that landed him on the 60-day DL back in May.

–If you get to New York City and visit Little Italy, I recommend lunch at Cafe Napoli. Great daily specials … order the chicken piccata!